yeah just a nudge over my max budget. $2000 is pushing it, the researching and shopping is becoming frustrating hahaha usually 2000 grand for a camera would be abit crazy but I'm tryin to contribute the money towards it as an investment for a photography course I'll be applying for in the next week or two.

I bought the Nikon D80 with the 18-200mm VR lens last night. Bought body and lens individually totaling $2127 all up. Comes with standard in box accessories, no memory card. I went to Ted's camera's and they quoted me $2800.

I got it brand new on Ebay and I know its risky buying on ebay but because the saving was so large I decided to take a risk. So we shall see what happens.

Ted's ok, but they're not the best...but heaps better than Michaels in terms of price...

However, for quality of service, they both were pretty bad, considering that they 'pride' themselves in providing great customer and after sales support, both i found rather lacking...more so with Michaels.

I had a done deal at JBHifi instead. The blonde who served me was great, and she was willing to negotiate to get my business and it wasnt all great lip service. Got the package of D80, 18-200 VR lens, 4 GB SD card, 5 yr warranty and HOYA HMC UV filter for $2700..

Michaels and Ted couldnt match that at all..but what bothered me was the fact that they didnt even attempt to match or better the deal.. i walked out a happy man after all!..

However, i did goto Ted's to get a Manfrotto 055BPro and 864RC2 ball head and somehow got it all for $320.. Just today, went back to JBHifi and got myself a nice cheap Nikkor Prime 50mm f1.8 lens Quite happy with it atm...will take it out for a test tomorrow..

Cheers mate, it took me a while to save up and even then the misus *agrees* that it was money sort of well spent..

Been trying to convince a workmate to join camp Nikon, but alas he just missed the bandwagon... we walked to JBHifi on thursday and thats when they were out of stock..but the sales person said that more is on order, they're expecting another delivery between tue - thurs next week.

I was waiting for them to stock up on some HMC HOYA's, as I need a 72 & 52mm circular polariser..